Dental implants
A dental implant is a prosthesis that is placed into the jaw bone to support an artificial tooth, or as part of a larger reconstruction to replace multiple teeth. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to disease or trauma, or for patients with congenitally missing teeth.
The implant itself is like a small screw, usually made from medical-grade titanium (similar to the materials used in orthopaedic surgery), which is surgically positioned to replicate the function of a tooth root. Following a healing period (in most cases, about three months), the implant will be tested to confirm adequate healing and strength, and then the prosthetic tooth or teeth can be constructed and attached to the implant.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be suitable for implant treatment to help restore the appearance of your smile and/or the function of your bite. The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease (1).
Patients who attend Melbourne Street Perio for consultation regarding implant treatment will have these factors thoroughly assessed in order to determine whether or not this type of treatment is suitable, and what the options may be to replace some or all of the missing teeth. Sometimes, further tests may be required in order to adequately assess the quantity and quality of jaw bone available for implant placement. This can be arranged by our staff at the time of consultation, and once all information has been gathered, treatment options can be formulated.
As part of your consultation, you will be given information on the procedures involved (including options to have treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic), what to expect after surgery, and how to care for the surgical site during healing. Once your implant has healed, you’ll be given specific advice on how to keep the area clean in order to minimise the risk of any problems, such as peri-implantitis (gum disease around dental implants).
If you’re interested in dental implant treatment, contact our friendly reception staff to arrange a consultation appointment.